Background Events

(January-May) 1944

Air war on Germany, Atlantic & Russian convoy battles, Anzio landings ('Shingle'), Indian Ocean operations, Battles of Cassino, Preparations for D-day

 

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WAR DIARY OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF, HOME FLEET

 

MARCH 1944

(n.b. Summary of Operations at end of month)

 

 

1. HMS DUKE OF YORK (Flag of Commander in Chief Home Fleet.

            1st-13th            Scapa

            13th                  Left Scapa for Clyde

            14th                  Arrived Clyde

            16th                  Left Clyde for Scapa

            17th                  Arrived Scapa

            30th                  Left Scapa with Force 1 for cover JW 58

            31st                  At sea covering JW 58

 

2. HMS ANSON (Flag of Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet)

            1st-7th              Scapa

            7th                    Left Scapa for Port ZH, arriving p.m.

            8th                    Left Port ZH for Scapa, arriving p.m.

            30th                  Left Scapa with Force 1 for cover convoy JW 58

            31st                  At sea covering JW 58

 

3. HMS KING GEORGE V

            1st-31st            Liverpool, refitting

 

4. HMS HOWE

            1st-31st            Devonport, refitting

                       

5. HMS NELSON

            1st-30th            Clyde for training duties

            30th                  Left Clyde for Rosyth to exchange guns

            31st                  On passage to Rosyth

 

6. HMS RODNEY

            1st-29th            Rosyth

            29th                  Left Rosyth for Scapa

            30th                  Arrived Scapa

            31st                  Scapa

 

 7. HMS WARSPITE

            16th                  Arrived Rosyth for docking and to join the Home Fleet, taken in hand

            16th-31st           Rosyth for docking and repairs

 

8. HMS RAMILLIES

            1st-4th              Clyde

            4th                    Left Clyde for Scapa

            5th                    Arrived Scapa

            12th                  Left Scapa for Rosyth for docking

            13th                  Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand

            13th-31st           Rosyth for docking and repairs.

                       

9. FS RICHELIEU

            1st-14TH           Scapa

            14th                  Left Scapa for the Clyde

            15th                  Arrived Clyde and for the Eastern Fleet, sailing p.m.

                       

Aircraft Carriers attached to Second Battle Squadron

 

10. HMS FURIOUS

            1st-30th            Scapa

            30th                  Left Scapa with Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN

            31st                  At sea on operation TUNGSTEN

 

11. HMS VICTORIOUS

            1st-7th              Liverpool for repairs

            7th                    Left Liverpool on completion for Clyde to work up, arriving p.m.

            24th                  Left Clyde for Scapa

            25th                  Arrived Scapa

            30th                  Left Scapa with Force 1 to cover JW 58

            31st                  At sea with Force 1

 

           

12. HMS INDEFATIGABLE

            14th                  Left Rosyth on completion for the Clyde to work up

            15th                  Arrived Clyde

            15th-31st           Clyde, working up under Flag Officer Carrier Training

           

Escort Carriers (Under Rear Admiral Escort Carriers)

 

13. HMS PURSUER

            1st-17th            Clyde

            17th                  Left Clyde for Scapa

            18th                  Arrived Scapa

            30th                  Left Scapa for Operation TUNGSTEN

            31st                  At sea with Force 2

 

14. HMS EMPEROR

            1st-17th            Clyde

            17th                  Left Clyde for Scapa

            18th                  Arrived Scapa

            30th                  Left Scapa with Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN

            31st                  At sea with Force 2

 

 15. HMS SEARCHER

            1st-17th            Clyde

            17th                  Left Clyde for Scapa

            18th                  Arrived Scapa

            30th                  Left Scapa with Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN

            31st                  At sea with Force 2

 

 16. HMS FENCER

            1st-17th            Clyde

            17th                  Left Clyde for Scapa

            18th                  Arrived Scapa

            30th                  Left Scapa with Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN

            31st                  At sea with Force 2                   

 

 17. HMS CHASER

            1st-2nd             Kola Inlet

            2nd                   Left Kola Inlet with escorts of RA 57

            8th                    Detached from the convoy to Scapa

            9th                    Arrived Scapa

            17th                  Left Scapa in tow for Rosyth for weather damage repairs

            18th                  Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand

            18th-31st           Rosyth for repairs

 

18. HMS HUNTER

            1st                    Arrived Scapa for Clyde

            21st                  Left Scapa for Belfast

            22nd                 Arrived Belfast

            22nd-31st          Belfast

 

19. HMS TRACKER

            25th                  Left Clyde for Loch Ewe and duty with JW 58

            26th                  Arrived Loch Ewe

            27th                  Left Loch Ewe for Scapa, arriving p.m.

            28th                  Left Scapa to join escort of JW 58

            29th                  Joined JW 58

            29th-31st           At sea with JW 58

 

20. HMS ACTIVITY

            25th                  Left Clyde for Loch Ewe and duty with JW 58

            26th                  Arrived Loch Ewe

            27th                  Left Loch Ewe for Scapa, arriving p.m.

            28th                  Left Scapa to join escort of JW 58

            29th                  Joined JW 58

            29th-31st           At sea with JW 58

 

First Cruiser Squadron

 

21. HMS KENT (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron)

            1st-31st            Scapa

 

22. HMS NORFOLK

            1st-31st            Tyne, refitting

 

23. HMS BERWICK

            1st-27th            Scapa

            27th                  Left Scapa for Invergordon for exercises with Force S, arriving p.m.

            30th                  Left Invergordon on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.

            31st                  Scapa

 

24. HMS DEVONSHIRE

            1st-29th            Tyne, refitting

            29th                  Left Tyne for Rosyth for tilt test, arriving p.m.

            31st                  Left Rosyth for Scapa to work up, arriving p.m.

 

Tenth Cruiser Squadron

 

25. HMS BELFAST (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron)

            1st                    Left Scapa for the Clyde

            2nd                   Arrived Clyde

 5th                   Left Scapa for Scapa

 6th                   Arrived Scapa

            30th                  Left Scapa with Force 1 to cover JW 58

            31st                  At sea with Force 1       

 

26. HMS SHEFFIELD

            1st-4th              Scapa

            4th                    Left Scapa for the Clyde for bombardment exercises

            5th                    Arrived Clyde

            11th                  Left Clyde for Scapa on completion

            12th                  Arrived Scapa

            30th                  Left Scapa for Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN

            31st                  At sea with Force 2

 

27. HMS GLASGOW

            1st-14th            Detached to Plymouth Command for Operations in the Bay Area

            14th                  Left Plymouth for the Clyde for bombardment exercises

            15th                  Arrived Clyde

            25th                  Left Clyde on completion for Plymouth for Operations in the Bay area

            26th                  Arrived Plymouth

            26th-31st           Plymouth

 

 28. HMS BERMUDA

            1st-8th              Scapa

            8th                    Left Scapa for exercises and Loch Ewe

            9th                    Arrived Loch Ewe

            12th                  Left Loch Ewe for Scapa, arriving p.m.

            27th                  Left Scapa for Tyne for refit

            28th                  Arrived Tyne, taken in hand

            28th-31st           Tyne, refitting

 

 29. HMS JAMAICA

            1st                    Left Scapa for Port ZH, arriving p.m.

            11th                  Left Port ZH for Scapa, arriving p.m.

            13th                  Left Scapa for Rosyth for docking and leave, arriving p.m.

            17th                  Left Rosyth for Scapa on completion

            18th                  Arrived Scapa

            30th                  Left Scapa with Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN

            31st                  At sea with Force 2

 

30. HMS SCYLLA

            1st-31st            Chatham, refitting

 

31. ORP DRAGON

            1st-6th              Scapa

            6th                    Left Scapa for Portsmouth for bombardment exercises

            8th                    Arrived Portsmouth

            17th                  Left Portsmouth on completion for Scapa

            19th                  Arrived Scapa

            29th                  Left Scapa for Portland for exercises with Force 6

            31st                  Arrived Portland

           

32. HMS BLACK PRINCE

            1st-2nd             Kola Inlet

            2nd                   Left Kola Inlet with RA 57

            7th                    Detached from the convoy to Scapa

            8th                    Arrived Scapa

            13th                  Left Scapa for Clyde for bombardment trials

            14th                  Arrived Clyde

            24th                  Left Clyde on completion for Plymouth

            25th                  Arrived Plymouth for operations in the Bay area

            25th-31st           Detached to Plymouth Command

 

33. HMS BELLONA

            1st-31st            Detached to Plymouth Command for operations in the Bay area.

            31st                  Left Plymouth for Clyde for bombardment exercises

 

34. HMS DIADEM

            1st-4th              Scapa, working up

            4th                    Left Scapa for the Clyde for bombardment exercises

            5th                    Arrived Clyde

            10th                  Left Clyde on completion for Scapa

            11th                  Arrived Scapa

            26th                  Left Scapa for Loch Ewe for JW 58 Convoy Conference, arriving p.m.

            27th                  Left Loch Ewe for Scapa, arriving p.m.

            28th                  Left Scapa to join JW 58

            29th                  Joined JW 58

            29st-31st           At sea with JW 58

 

Cruiser Administered by Rear Admiral Escort Carriers

 

35. HMS ROYALIST (Flag of Rear Admiral, Escort Carriers)

            1st-17th            Clyde

            17th                  Left Clyde for Scapa

            18th                  Arrived Scapa

            30th                  Left Scapa with Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN

            31st                  At sea with Force 2

 

Cruiser temporarily attached.

 

36. USS MILWAUKEE

            26th                  Left Rosyth for Scapa

            27th                  Arrived Scapa

            28th                  Left Scapa to join JW 58 for North Russia and transfer to the Soviet Navy

            29th                  Joined JW 58

            29th-31st           At sea with JW 58

 

Fast Minelayer attached to the Home Fleet for working up

 

37. HMS APOLLO

            1st-15th            Scapa, working up

            15th                  Left Scapa on completion for Port ZA for practice lay

            16th                  Arrived Port ZA

            19th                  Left Port ZA for practice lay and for Plymouth

            24th                  Arrived Plymouth to join Plymouth Command

            24th-31st           Plymouth Command

 

Destroyers

 

Third Destroyer Flotilla

 

38. HMS MILNE (Captain (D) Third Destroyer Flotilla

            1st-2nd             Kola Inlet

            2nd                   Left Kola Inlet with RA 57

            8th                    Detached from convoy to Scapa

            9th                    Arrived Scapa

            29th                  Left Scapa for Skaalefiord

            30th                  Arrived Skaalefiord, sailing p.m. to join Force 1, covering JW 58

            31st                  Joined screen of Force 1

 

39. HMS MARNE

            1st-14th            Scapa

            14th                  Left Scapa with screen of RICHELIEU to the Clyde

            15th                  Arrived Clyde with RICHELIEU, sailing p.m. with screen of RICHELIEU for Gibraltar

            18th                  Transferred to escort of S.S. DUNNOTTAR CASTLE to the Clyde

            22nd                 Returned to Scapa

            29th                  Left Scapa for Skaalefiord

            30th                  Arrived Skaalefiord, sailing p.m. to join Force 1, covering JW 58

            31st                  Joined screen of Force 1

 

40. HMS METEOR

            1st-2nd             Kola Inlet

            2nd                   Left Kola Inlet with RA 57

            7th                    Detached from the convoy to Scapa

            8th                    Arrived Scapa

            10th                  Left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler cleaning

            11th                  Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand

            18th                  Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.

            29th                  Left Scapa for Skaalefiord.

            30th                  Arrived Skaalefiord, sailing p.m. to join Force 1 covering JW 58

            31st                  Joined screen of Force 1

 

41. HMS MATCHLESS  

            1st-2nd             Kola Inlet

            2nd                   Left Kola Inlet with RA 57

            8th                    Detached from the convoy to Scapa

            9th                    Arrived Scapa

            13th                  Left Scapa with DUKE OF YORK for the Clyde

            14th                  Arrived Clyde

            16th                  Left Clyde with DUKE OF YORK for Scapa

            17th                  Arrived Scapa

            21st                  Left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler cleaning

            22nd                 Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand

            28th                  Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa

            29th                  Arrived Scapa, sailing p.m. for Skaalefiord.

            30th                  Arrived Skaalefiord, sailing p.m. to join Force 1, covering JW 58

            31st                  Joined screen of Force 1

 

 42. HMS MUSKETEER

            1st-31st            Humber, refitting

 

 43. ORP PIORUN

            1st-3rd              Scapa

            3rd                    Left Scapa for Plymouth for exercises

            5th                    Arrived Plymouth

            13th                  Left Plymouth on completion for the Clyde

            14th                  Arrived Clyde

            15th                  Left Clyde with screen of RICHELIEU for Gibraltar

            18th                  Transferred to escort of S.S. DUNNOTTAR CASTLE for the Clyde

            22nd                 Returned to Scapa

            30th                  Left Scapa with screen of Force 1 to cover JW 58

            31st                  Detached to Skaalefiord, arriving a.m.

 

Tenth Destroyer Flotilla

 

 44. HMS TARTAR (Captain (D) Tenth Destroyer Flotilla)

            1st-31st            Detached to Plymouth Command for Operations in the Bay area

 

 45. HMS ASHANTI

            1st-31st            Detached to Plymouth Command for Operations in the Bay are

 

 46. HMS ESKIMO

            1st-31st            Humber, refitting

 

 47. HMCS IROQUOIS

            1st-31st            Halifax, refitting

 

 48. HMCS ATHABASKAN

            1st-31st            Detached to Plymouth Command for Operations in the Bay Area

 

 49. HMCS HURON

            1st-31st            Detached to Plymouth Command for Operations in the Bay Area

 

 50. HMCS HAIDA

            1st-31st            Detached to Plymouth Command for Operations in the Bay Area

 

Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla

 

51. HMS ONSLOW (Captain (D) Seventeenth Destroyer Flotilla)

            1st-3rd              Scapa

            3rd                    Left Scapa for Plymouth for exercises

            5th                    Arrived Plymouth

            13th                  Left Plymouth on completion for Moville

            14th                  Arrived Moville, sailing p.m. to join screen of WARSPITE for Rosyth

            16th                  Detached to Scapa, arriving p.m.

            27th                  Left Scapa for Skaalefiord

            28th                  Arrived Skaalefiord

            29th                  Left Skaalefiord and joined JW 58

            29th-31st           At sea with JW 58

 

52. HMS OFFA

            1st-2nd             Kola Inlet

            2nd                   Left Kola Inlet with RA 57

            8th                    Detached from the convoy with CHASER to Scapa

            9th                    Arrived Scapa

            15th                  Left Scapa for Invergordon for exercises with Force S, arriving p.m.

            17th                  Left Invergordon for Scapa, arriving a.m. and sailing p.m. to join escort of ROYALIST and Escort

                                    Carrier Squadron from Clyde to Scapa

            18th                  Arrived Scapa with Escort Carrier Squadron

            27th                  Left Scapa for Skaalefiord

            28th                  Arrived Skaalefiord

            29th                  Left Skaalefiord and joined JW 58

            29th-31st           At sea with JW 58

 

53. HMS ORIBI

            1st-2nd             Kola Inlet

            2nd                   Left Kola Inlet with RA 57

            8th                    Detached from the convoy to Scapa

            9th                    Arrived Scapa

            12th                  Left Scapa with RAMILLIES for Rosyth

            13th                  Arrived Rosyth with RAMILLIES.

            14th                  Left Rosyth with INDEFATIGABLE for the Clyde

            15th                  Detached to Scapa, arriving a.m.

            21st                  Left Scapa for Invergordon for exercises with Force S, arriving p.m.

            23rd                  Left Invergordon on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.

            27th                  Left Scapa for Skaalefiord

            28th                  Arrived Skaalefiord

            29th                  Left Skaalefiord and joined JW 58

            29th-31st           At sea with JW 58

 

54. HMS ONSLAUGHT

            1st-2nd             Kola Inlet

            2nd                   Left Kola Inlet with RA 57

            8th                    Detached from the convoy with CHASER for Scapa

            9th                    Arrived Scapa

            14th                  Left Scapa with RICHELIEU for the Clyde

            15th                  Arrived Clyde, sailing with screen of RICHELIEU to Gibraltar

            18th                  Transferred to escort of S.S. DUNNOTTAR CASTLE for the Clyde

            21st                  Arrived Clyde and for boiler cleaning, taken in hand

            28th                  Left Clyde on completion for Scapa

            29th                  Arrived Scapa

            30th                  Left Scapa with screen of Force 1 for cover JW 58

            31st                  Detached to Skaalefiord, arriving a.m.

 

55. HMS OPPORTUNE

            1st-3rd              Scapa

            3rd                    Left Scapa for Invergordon for exercises with Force S, arriving p.m.

            5th                    Left Invergordon on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.

            6th                    Left Scapa for Plymouth for exercises in the Plymouth Command

            8th                    Arrived Plymouth

            14th                  Left Plymouth on completion for Scapa

            16th                  Arrived Scapa

            27th                  Left Scapa for Skaalefiord

            28th                  Arrived Skaalefiord

            29th                  Left Skaalefiord and joined JW 58

            29th-31st           At sea with JS 58

 

56. HMS OBDURATE

            1st-31st            Tyne, refitting

 

57. HMS ORWELL

            1st-17th            Humber, refitting

            17th                  Left Humber on completion for Scapa

            18th                  Arrived Scapa

            27th                  Left Scapa for Skaalefiord

            28th                  Arrived Skaalefiord

            29th                  Left Skaalefiord and joined JW 58

            29th-31st           At sea with JW 58

 

58. HMS OBEDIENT

            1st-2nd             Kola Inlet

            2nd                   Left Kola Inlet with RA 57

            8th                    Detached from the convoy with CHASER to Scapa

            9th                    Arrived Scapa

            15th                  Left Scapa for Invergordon for exercises with Force S, arriving p.m.

            17th                  Left Invergordon for Scapa, arriving a.m. and sailing p.m. to join escort of ROYALIST and Escort

                                    Carrier Squadron from Clyde to Scapa

            18th                  Arrived Scapa with Escort Carrier Squadron

            27th                  Left Scapa for Skaalefiord

            28th                  Arrived Skaalefiord

            29th                  Left Skaalefiord and joined JW 58

            29th-31st           At sea with JW 58

 

Twenty Third Destroyer Flotilla

 

59. HMS SERAPIS (Captain (D) Twenty Third Destroyer Flotilla)

            1st-2nd             Kola Inlet

            2nd                   Left Kola Inlet with RA 57

            8th                    Detached from the convoy to Scapa

            9th                    Arrived Scapa

            17th                  Left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler cleaning

            18th                  Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand

            24th                  Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa

            25th                  Arrived Scapa

            27th                  Left Scapa and join escort of ACTIVITY and TRACKER from Loch Ewe arriving Scapa p.m. 

            28th                  Left Scapa with two cruiser and two escort carriers to join JW 58

            29th                  Joined JW 58, detached to Skaalefiord to fuel, arriving and sailing a.m. and rejoining JW 58

            29th-31st           At sea with JW 58

 

60. HMS SAUMAREZ   

            1st-18th            Tyne for refit and action damage repairs

            18th                  Left Tyne for Rosyth, arriving p.m. on completion of repairs

            20th                  Left Rosyth for Scapa

            21st                  Arrived Scapa

            26th                  Left Scapa for Loch Ewe for JW 58 Convoy Conference, arriving p.m.

            27th                  Left Loch Ewe for Skaalefiord

            28th                  Arrived Skaalefiord

            29th                  Left Skaalefiord and joined JW 58

            29th-31st           At sea with convoy JW 58

 

61. HMS SCORPION

            1st-4th              Humber, refitting

            4th                    Left Humber on completion for Scapa

            5th                    Arrived Scapa

            6th                    Left Scapa for Plymouth for exercises in the Plymouth Command

            8th                    Arrived Plymouth

            18th                  Left Plymouth on completion for Scapa

            23rd                  Left Scapa for Inverness for exercises with Force S, arriving p.m.

            25th                  Left Inverness on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.

            27th                  Left Scapa and joined escort of ACTIVITY and TRACKER from Loch Ewe, arriving Scapa p.m.

            28th                  Left Scapa with two cruisers and two escort carriers to join JW 58

            29th                  Joined JW 58, detached to Skaalefiord to fuel, arriving a.m., sailing a.m. and rejoining JW 58

            29th-31st           At sea with JW 58

 

62. HMS SAVAGE

            1st                    Kola Inlet

            2nd                   Left Kola Inlet with RA 57

            8th                    Detached from convoy to Scapa

            9th                    Arrived Scapa

            12th                  Left Scapa for Invergordon for exercises with Force S, arriving p.m.

14th                  Left Invergordon on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.

16th                  Left Scapa and joined screen of WARSPITE for Rosyth, arriving p.m. and sailing for Scapa

18th                  Arrived Scapa with escort carrier Squadron

 21st                 Left Scapa for Humber for refit

            22nd                 Arrived Humber, taken in hand

            22nd-31st          Humber, refitting

 

63. HMS SCOURGE

            1st-6th              Scapa

            6th                    Left Scapa for Invergordon for exercises with Force S, arriving p.m.

            8th                    Left Invergordon on completion for Dundee for exercises with Ninth Submarine Flotilla

            9th                    Arrived Dundee

            13th                  Left Dundee for Humber to refit

            14th                  Arrived Humber, taken in hand

            14th-31st           Humber, refitting

 

64. HMS SWIFT

            1st-2nd             Kola Inlet

            2nd                   Left Kola Inlet with RA 57

            7th                    Detached from the convoy to Scapa

            8th                    Arrived Scapa

            10th                  Left Scapa for Clyde for boiler cleaning

            11th                  Arrived Clyde, taken in hand

            19th                  Left Clyde on completion for Scapa

            20th                  Arrived Scapa

            23rd                  Left Scapa for Inverness for exercises with Force S, arriving p.m.

            25th                  Left Inverness on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.

            30th                  Left Scapa with screen of Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN

            31st                  At sea with Force 2

 

65. HNorMS STORD

            1st-3rd              Scapa

            3rd                    Left Scapa for Plymouth for exercises

            5th                    Arrived Plymouth

            13th                  Left Plymouth for Moville

            14th                  Arrived Moville, sailing p.m. to join screen of WARSPITE for Rosyth

            16th                  Arrived Rosyth with WARSPITE, sailing p.m. to Scapa

            17th                  Arrived Scapa

            21st                  Left Scapa with HUNTER for the Clyde

            22nd                 Detached to Scapa, arriving p.m.

            27th                  Left Scapa and joined escort of ACTIVITY and TRACKER from Loch Ewe, arriving p.m.

            28th                  Left Scapa with two cruisers and two escort carriers to join JW 58

            29th                  Joined JW 58, detached to Skaalefiord to fuel, arriving and sailing a.m. and rejoining JW 58

            29th-31st           At sea with JW 58

 

66. HNorMS SVENNER

            1st-21st            Clyde, completing

            21st                  Left Clyde on completion for Scapa to work up

            22nd                 Arrived Scapa

            22nd-31st          Scapa, working up

 

Twenty-sixth Destroyer Flotilla

 

67. HMS HMS VIGILANT (Captain (D) Twenty sixth Destroyer Flotilla)

            1st-2nd             Kola Inlet

            2nd                   Left Kola Inlet with RA 57

            8th                    Detached from the convoy to Scapa

            9th                    Arrived Scapa

            12th                  Left Scapa for Invergordon for exercises with Force S, arriving p.m.

            14th                  Left Invergordon on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.

            20th                  Left Scapa for Dundee for exercises with Ninth Submarine Flotilla, arriving p.m.

            22nd                 Left Dundee on completion for Scapa

            30th                  Left Scapa with screen of Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN

            31st                  At sea with Force 2

 

68. HMS VENUS

            1st-3rd              Scapa

            3rd                    Left Scapa for Invergordon for exercises with Force S, arriving p.m.

            5th                    Left Invergordon on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.

            6th                    Left Scapa for Plymouth for exercises in the Plymouth Command

            8th                    Arrived Plymouth

            14th                  Left Plymouth on completion for Scapa

            16th                  Arrived Scapa

            27th                  Left Scapa and joined escort of ACTIVITY and TRACKER from Loch Ewe, arriving Scapa p.m.

            28th                  Left Scapa with two cruisers and two escort carriers to join JW 58

            29th                  Joined JW 58, detached to Skaalefiord to fuel, arriving and sailing a.m. and rejoining JW 58

            29th-31st           At sea with JW 58

 

69. HMS VIRAGO

            1st-3rd              Scapa

            3rd                    Left Scapa for Plymouth for exercises

            5th                    Arrived Plymouth

12th                  Left Plymouth on completion for Portsmouth for alterations, arriving p.m. and taken in hand

            27th                  Left Portsmouth on completion for Scapa

            29th                  Arrived Scapa

30th                  Left Scapa with screen of Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN

31st                  At sea with Force 2

 

70. HMS VERULAM

            1st-2nd             Kola Inlet

            2nd                   Left Kola Inlet with RA 57

            7th                    Detached from the convoy to Scapa

            8th                    Arrived Scapa

            10th                  Left Scapa for Clyde for boiler cleaning

            11th                  Arrived Clyde, taken in hand

            19th                  Left Clyde on completion for Scapa

            20th                  Arrived Scapa

            26th                  Left Scapa for Inverness for exercises with Force S, arriving p.m.

            28th                  Left Inverness on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.

            30th                  Left Scapa with screen of Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN

            31st                  At sea with Force 2

 

71. HMCS ALGONQUIN

            5th                    Left Clyde for Scapa to work up

            6th                    Arrived Scapa

            30th                  Left Scapa with screen of Force 1 to cover JW 58

            31st                  Detached to Skaalefiord, arriving a.m.

 

72. HMCS SIOUX

            6th                    Left Portsmouth for Scapa to work up

            8th                    Arrived Scapa

            30th                  Left Scapa with screen of Force 1 to cover JW 58

            31st                  Detached to Skaalefiord, arriving a.m.

 

Other Destroyers attached for duty with the Home Fleet

 

73. HMS IMPULSIVE

            1st-2nd             Kola Inlet

            2nd                   Left Kola Inlet with RA 57

            7th                    Detached from the convoy to Scapa

            8th                    Arrived Scapa

            10th                  Left Scapa for Rosyth for boiler cleaning

            11th                  Arrived Rosyth, taken in hand

            18th                  Left Rosyth on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.

            21st                  Left Scapa for Invergordon for exercises with Force S, arriving p.m.

            23rd                  Left Invergordon on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.

            27th                  Left Scapa for Skaalefiord

            28th                  Arrived Skaalefiord

            29th                  Left Skaalefiord and joined JW 58

            29th-31st           At sea with JW 58

 

74. ORP BLYSKAWICA

            1st-2nd             Scapa, damaged

            2nd                   Left Scapa for Tyne for repairs

            3rd                    Arrived Tyne, taken in hand

            3rd-31st            Tyne for repairs

 

Destroyers temporarily attached for North Russia Convoy duties

 

75. HMS KEPPEL

            1st-2nd             Kola Inlet

            2nd                   Left Kola Inlet with RA 57

            9th                    Detached from convoy to the Clyde

            10th                  Arrived Clyde

            27th                  Left Clyde for Skaalefiord for duty with Support Group to JW 58

            28th                  Arrived Skaalefiord

            29th                  Left Skaalefiord and joined JW 58

            29th-31st           At sea with JW 58

 

76. HMS BOADICEA

            1st-2nd             Kola Inlet

            2nd                   Left Kola Inlet with RA 57

            9th                    Detached from convoy to the Clyde

            10th                  Arrived Clyde

            27th                  Left Clyde for Skaalefiord for duty with Support Group to JW 58

            28th                  Arrived Skaalefiord

            29th                  Left Skaalefiord and joined JW 58

            29th-31st           At sea with JW 58

 

77. HMS WALKER

            1st-2nd             Kola Inlet

            2nd                   Left Kola Inlet with RA 57

            9th                    Detached from convoy to the Clyde

            10th                  Arrived Clyde

            27th                  Left Clyde for Skaalefiord for duty with Support Group to JW 58

            28th                  Arrived Skaalefiord

            29th                  Left Skaalefiord and joined JW 58

            29th-31st           At sea with JW 58

 

78. HMS BEAGLE

            1st-2nd             Kola Inlet

            2nd                   Left Kola Inlet with RA 57

            9th                    Detached from convoy to Scapa to fuel, arriving and sailing p.m. for the Clyde

            10th                  Arrived Clyde

            27th                  Left Clyde for Skaalefiord for duty with Support Group for JW 58

28th                  Arrived Skaalefiord

29th                  Left Skaalefiord and joined JW 58

29th-31st           At sea with JW 58

 

79. HMS WATCHMAN

            1st                    At sea on passage to Skaalefiord, arriving p.m. with weather damage

            4th                    Left Skaalefiord for Londonderry

            6th                    Arrived Londonderry

 

80. HMS WANDERER

            1st                    At sea on passage to Skaalefiord, arriving p.m. with weather damage

            2nd                   Left Skaalefiord for Londonderry

            3rd                    Arrived Londonderry

 

81. HMS WESTCOTT

            26th                  Left Clyde for Loch Ewe for through escort of JW 58, arriving p.m.

            27th                  Left Loch Ewe with JW 58

            27th-31st           At sea with JW 58

 

82. HMS INCONSTANT

            26th                  Left Clyde for Loch Ewe for through escort of JW 58, arriving p.m.

            27th                  Left Loch Ewe with JW 58

            27th-31st           At sea with JW 58

 

83. HMS WHITEHALL

            26th                  Left Clyde for Loch Ewe for through escort of JW 58, arriving p.m.

            27th                  Left Loch Ewe with JW 58

            27th-31st           At sea with JW 58

 

84. HMS WRESTLER

            26th                  Left Clyde for Loch Ewe for through escort of JW 58, arriving p.m.

            27th                  Left Loch Ewe with JW 58

            27th-31st           At sea with JW 58

 

Destroyers attached to the Home Fleet for working up

 

85. HMS ULYSSES

            1st-12th            Scapa, working up

            12th                  Left Scapa for Liverpool for repairs

            13th                  Arrived Liverpool, taken in hand

            23rd                  Left Liverpool on completion for Moville for H/F D/F calibration

            24th                  Arrived Moville, sailing p.m. to Scapa

            25th                  Arrived Scapa

            27th                  Left Scapa with BERWICK for Invergordon for exercises with Force S, arriving p.m.

            30th                  Left Invergordon on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.

            31st                  Scapa

 

 86. HMS URSA

            6th                    Left Portsmouth for Scapa to work up

            8th                    Arrived Scapa

            29th                  Left Scapa for Skaalefiord

            30th                  Arrived Skaalefiord, sailing p.m. to join Force 1 covering JW 58

            31st                  Joined screen of Force 1

 

 87. HMS UNDAUNTED

            4th                    Left Liverpool for Scapa to work up

            5th                    Arrived Scapa

            29th                  Left Scapa for Skaalefiord

            30th                  Arrived Skaalefiord, sailing p.m. to join Force 1 covering JW 58

            31st                  Joined screen of Force 1

 

 88. HMS JAVELIN

            6th                    Left Portsmouth for Scapa to work up

            8th                    Arrived Scapa

            30th                  Left Scapa with screen of Force 1 to cover JW 58

            31st                  Detached to Skaalefiord, arriving a.m.

 

89. HMS WAKEFUL

            4th                    Left Clyde for Scapa to work up

            5th                    Arrived Scapa

            26th                  Left Scapa for Inverness for exercises with Force S

            28th                  Left Inverness on completion for Scapa, arriving p.m.

            30th                  Left Scapa with screen of Force 2 for Operation TUNGSTEN

            31st                  At sea with Force 2

 

90. HHMS SALAMIS

            29th                  Left Liverpool for Scapa to work up

            30th                  Arrived Scapa

            31st                  Scapa, working up

 

Sloops and Frigates temporarily attached for North Russian Convoys duties

 

91. HMS STRULE (Senior Officer, Escort Group B 1)

            1st                    At sea on passage to Skaalefiord, arriving p.m. with weather damage

            4th                    Left Skaalefiord for Londonderry

            6th                    Arrived Londonderry

 

92. HMS BYRON

            1st                    At sea on passage to Skaalefiord, arriving p.m.

            2nd                   Left Skaalefiord for Londonderry

            3rd                    Arrived Londonderry

93. HMS STARLING

            24th                  Arrived Scapa for Support Group with JW 58

            28th                  Left Scapa to join JW 58

            29th                  Joined JW 58

            29th-31st           At sea with JW 58

 

94. HMS WILD GOOSE

            24th                  Arrived Scapa for duty with Support Group for JW 58

            28th                  Left Scapa to join JW 58

            29th                  Joined JW 58

            29th-31st           At sea with JW 58

 

95. HMS WREN

            24th                  Arrived Scapa for duty with Support Group for JW 58

            28th                  Left Scapa to join JW 58

            29th                  Joined JW 58

            29th-31st           At sea with JW 58

 

96. HMS MAGPIE

            24th                  Arrived Scapa for duty with Support Group for JW 58

            28th                  Left Scapa to join JW 58

            29th                  Joined JW 58

            29th-31st           At sea with JW 58

 

97. HMS WHIMBREL

            24th                  Arrived Scapa for duty with Support Group for JW 58

            28th                  Left Scapa to join JW 58

            29th                  Joined JW 58

            29th-31st           At sea with JW 58

 

Corvettes temporary duty with North Russian convoys duties

 

98. HMS BLUEBELL

            1st-2nd             Kola Inlet

            2nd                   Left Kola Inlet with RA 57

            9th                    Detached from convoy to Clyde

            10th                  Arrived Clyde

            25th                  Left Clyde for Loch Ewe for through escort of JW 58

            26th                  Left Loch Ewe

            27th                  Left Loch Ewe with JW 58

            27th-31st           At sea with JW 58

 

99. HMS CAMELLIA

            1st-2nd             Kola Inlet

            2nd                   Left Kola Inlet with RA 57

            9th                    Detached from convoy to Milford Haven

            10th                  Arrived Milford Haven

 

100. HMS RHODODENDRON

            1st-2nd             Kola Inlet

            2nd                   Left Kola Inlet with RA 57

            9th                    Detached from convoy to Clyde

            10th                  Arrived Clyde

            25th                  Left Clyde for Loch Ewe for through escort of JW 58

            26th                  Arrived Loch Ewe

            27th                  Left Loch Ewe with JW 58

            27th-31st           At sea with JW 58

 

101. HMS LOTUS

            1st-2nd             Kola Inlet

            2nd                   Left Kola Inlet with RA 57

            9th                    Detached from convoy to Londonderry

            10th                  Arrived Londonderry

            25th                  Left Londonderry for Loch Ewe for through escort of JW 58

            26th                  Arrived Loch Ewe

            27th                  Left Loch Ewe with JW 58

            27th-31st           At sea with JW 58

 

102. HMS HONEYSUCKLE

            25th                  Left Clyde for Loch Ewe for through escort of JW 58

            26th                  Arrived Loch Ewe

            27th                  Left Loch Ewe with JW 58

            27th-31st           At sea with JW 58

 

103. HMS STARWORT

            26th                  Left Londonderry for Loch Ewe for local escort of JW 58, arriving p.m.

            27th                  Left Loch Ewe with JW 58

            29th                  Detached from convoy to Londonderry

            30th                  Arrived Londonderry

 

First Minesweeping Flotilla

 

104. HMS HARRIER (Senior Officer, First Minesweeping Flotilla

            1st-7th              Humber, refitting

            7th                    Left Humber on completion for Port ZA

            8th                    Arrived Port ZA for exercises

            23rd                  Left Port ZA on completion for Inverness

            24th                  Arrived Inverness for duty with Force S

            24th-31st           Inverness

 

105. HMS SEAGULL

            1st-2nd             North Russia

            2nd                   Left Kola Inlet with RA 57

            9th                    Detached from the convoy to Scapa, arriving p.m.

            11th                  Left Scapa for Leith for boiler cleaning

            12th                  Arrived Leith, taken in hand

            22nd                 Left Leith on completion for Inverness

            23th                  Arrived Inverness

            24th-31st           Inverness

 

106. HMS BRITOMART

            1st-3rd              Devonport, refitting

            3rd                    Left Devonport on completion for Scapa

            6th                    Arrived Scapa

            7th                    Left Scapa for Port ZA

            8th                    Arrived Port ZA for exercises

            23rd                  Left Port ZA on completion for Inverness

            24th                  Arrived Inverness for duty with Force S

            24th-31st           Inverness

 

107. HMS HUSSAR

            1st-7th              Scapa

            7th                    Left Scapa for Port ZA

            8th                    Arrived Port ZA for exercises

            23rd                  Left Port ZA on completion for Inverness

            23th                  Arrived Inverness for duty with Force S

            24th-31st           Inverness

 

108. HMS SPEEDWELL

            1st-7th              Scapa

            7th                    Left Scapa for Port ZA

            8th                    Arrived Port ZA for exercises

            23rd                  Left Port ZA for Inverness

            24th                  Arrived Inverness for duty with Force S

            24th-31st           Inverness

 

109. HMS GLEANER

            1st-2nd             Kola Inlet

            2nd                   Left Kola Inlet with RA 57

            10th                  Arrived Loch Ewe with survivours from S.S. EMPIRE TOURIST, sailing a.m. for Scapa, arriving p.m.

            11th                  Left Scapa for Leith for boiler cleaning

            12th                  Arrived Leith, taken in hand

            22nd                 Left Leith for Inverness on completion

            23rd                  Arrived Inverness for duty with Force S

            23rd-31st           Inverness

 

110. HMS HALCYON

            1st-7th              Scapa

            7th                    Left Scapa for Port ZA

            8th                    Arrived Port ZA for exercises

            23rd                  Left Port ZA for Inverness

            24th                  Arrived Inverness for duty with Force S

            24th-31st           Inverness

 

111. HMS SALAMANDER

            1st-10th            Tyne, refitting

            10th                  Left Tyne on completion for Port ZA

            12th                  Arrived Port ZA for exercises

            23rd                  Left Port ZA for Inverness

            24th                  Arrived Inverness for duty with Force S

            24th-31st           Inverness

                       

112. HMS JASON

            1st-7th              Scapa

            7th                    Left Scapa for Port ZA

            8th                    Arrived Port ZA for exercises

            23rd                  Left Port ZA for Inverness

            24th                  Arrived Inverness for duty with Force S

            24th-31st           Inverness

 

113. HMS SPEEDY

            1st-31st            Sheerness, refitting

 

Eighteenth Minesweeping Flotilla

 

114. HMS READY (Senior Officer, Eighteenth Minesweeping Flotilla

            1st-5th              Scapa

            5th                    Left Scapa for Skaalefiord

            6th                    Arrived Skaalefiord

            8th                    Left Skaalefiord with local escort and joined RA 57

            10th                  Detached from convoy to Loch Ewe for exercises, arriving p.m.

            27th                  Left Loch Ewe for Portsmouth

            30th                  Arrived Portsmouth

            31st                  Portsmouth

 

115. HMS HOUND

            1st-16th            Leith, refitting

            16th                  Left Leith on completion for Loch Ewe for exercises

            17th                  Arrived Loch Ewe

            27th                  Left Loch Ewe for Portsmouth

            30th                  Arrived Portsmouth

            31st                  Portsmouth

 

116. HMS HYDRA

            1st                    At sea on anti-U-boat patrol

            3rd                    Returned to Skaalefiord

            8th                    Left Skaalefiord with local escort and joined RA 57

            10th                  Detached from the convoy to Loch Ewe for exercises, arriving p.m.

            20th                  Left Loch Ewe for Dundee for boiler cleaning

            22nd                 Arrived Dundee, taken in hand

            22nd-31st          Dundee for boiler cleaning

 

117. HMS LOYALTY

            1st-5th              Scapa

            5th                    Left Scapa for Skaalefiord

            6th                    Arrived Skaalefiord

            8th                    Left Skaalefiord with local escort and joined RA 57

            10th                  Detached from the convoy to Loch Ewe for exercises, arriving p.m.

            14th                  Left Loch Ewe for Aberdeen for boiler cleaning

            15th                  Arrived Aberdeen, taken in hand

            28th                  Left Aberdeen for Milford Haven on completion

            30th                  Arrived Milford Haven, sailing p.m. for Portsmouth

            31st                  Arrived Portsmouth

 

118. HMS ONYX

            1st                    At sea on anti-U-boat patrol

            3rd                    Returned to Skaalefiord

            8th                    Left Skaalefiord with local escort and joined RA 57

            10th                  Detached from the convoy to Loch Ewe for exercises, arriving p.m.

            17th                  Left Loch Ewe and joined escort of D.F. 20 for Skaalefiord

            18th                  Arrived Skaalefiord with D.F. 20, sailing p.m. with F.D. 20 for the Clyde

            19th                  Detached to Scapa, arriving p.m.

            26th                  Left Scapa for Loch Ewe, arriving p.m.

            27th                  Left Loch Ewe with local escort of JW 58

            29th                  Detached to Skaalefiord, arriving p.m.

            30th                  Left Skaalefiord for Portsmouth

            31st                  On passage to Portsmouth

 

119. HMS ORESTES

            1st                    At sea on anti-U-boat patrol

            3rd                    Returned to Skaalefiord

            8th                    Left Skaalefiord for Scapa for repairs to generators

            9th                    Arrived Scapa, taken in hand

            14th                  Left Scapa for Loch Ewe for exercises

            15th                  Arrived Loch Ewe

            17th                  Left Loch Ewe and joined escort of D. F. 20 for Skaalefiord

            18th                  Arrived Skaalefiord with D. F. 20, sailing p.m. with F. D. 20 for the Clyde

            19th                  Detached to Scapa, arriving p.m.

            26th                  Left Scapa for Loch Ewe, arriving p.m.

            27th                  Left Loch Ewe with local escort of JW 58

            29th                  Detached to Skaalefiord, arriving a.m.

            30th                  Left Skaalefiord for Portsmouth

            31st                  On passage to Portsmouth

 

120. HMS RATTLESNAKE

            1st                    Arrived Skaalefiord, sailing p.m. to Aberdeen for boiler cleaning and repairs

            2nd                   Arrived Aberdeen, taken in hand

            25th                  Left Aberdeen on completion for Loch Ewe for exercises

            26th                  Arrived Loch Ewe

            27th                  Left Loch Ewe with local escort of JW 58

            29th                  Detached to Skaalefiord, arriving p.m.

            30th                  Left Skaalefiord for Portsmouth

            31st                  On passage to Portsmouth

 

121. HMS COCKATRICE

            1st                    At sea on anti-U-boat patrol

            3rd                    Returned to Skaalefiord

            7th                    Left Skaalefiord for Loch Ewe

            8th                    Arrived Loch Ewe

            9th                    Left Loch Ewe for Aberdeen to refit

            10th                  Arrived Aberdeen, taken in hand

            10th-31st           Aberdeen, refitting

 

122. Ships detached to other Commands.

 

 The following ships were lent to the Plymouth Command during March for Operations in the Bay of Biscay area.

           

Cruisers:                       GLASGOW       1st-14th and 26th-31st

                                                BELLONA         1st-31st

                                                BLACK PRINCE            25th-31st

 

            Destroyers:                   TARTAR            1st-31st

                                                HURON 1st-31st

                                                HAIDA  1st-31st

                                                ASHANTI          1st-31st

                                                IROQUOIS        1st-31st refitting in Halifax

                                                ATHABASKAN  1st-31st

 

123. Patrols Black and White

 

There were no Home Fleet ships on patrols BLACK (between Iceland and the Faroes) or WHITE (in the Denmark Straits) throughout March.

 

Changes of Flag

 

124. Changes of Flag

            3rd        Flag of Rear Admiral F.H.G. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB hoisted in SHEFFIELD

            3rd        Flag of Vice Admiral Sir Robert L. Burnett, KBE, CB, DSO, as Vice Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser

                        Squadron, struck in BELFAST

            4th        Flag of Rear Admiral F.H.B. Dalrymple-Hamilton, CB, transferred from SHEFFIELD to BELFAST as Rear

                        Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron

            9th        Broad Pendant of Commodore R.M.J. Hutton, DSO, was Commodore (D), Home Fleet struck in TYNE

            9th        Flag of Vice Admiral (D), Home Fleet transferred from BLACK PRINCE to TYNE

            17th      Flag of Vice Admiral A.F.E. Palliser, CB, DSC, as Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron

                        struck in KENT

            26th      Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron transferred from BELFAST to DIDO

            27th      Flag of Rear Admiral R.R. McGrigor, CB, as Rear Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron hoisted in

                        KENT

 

Operations

 

125. S.F. (anti-U-boat patrols between Iceland and the Faroes)

           

Owing to the requirements for minesweepers for local escorts to North Russian convoys and of combined operations exercises only one short patrol of 4 days (29th February – 3rd March by COCKATRICE, HYDRA, ONYX, and ORESTES) was carried out during March.

           

2. The operation was conducted as usual by the Commander in Chief, Rosyth and air cooperation provided by 18 Group. No other forces than the minesweepers based on Skaalefiord were available for this operation during March.

 

126. Operation FX

           

The second part of Operation FX (the passage of RA 57 to the United Kingdom from North Russia) took place at the beginning of March and was completed with the loss of one merchant ship sunk and three U-boats destroyed. The first part of the operation (the passage of the outward bound convoy) was included in the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s War Diary for February 1944

           

The convoy of 32 ships left Kola Inlet on 2nd March and arrived in the United Kingdom ports on 10th less two ships, one of which returned to Kola Inlet, unable to keep the speed of the convoy, the other was torpedoed by a U-boat and sunk.

           

The convoy was strongly escorted by the escorts of JW 57 (BLACK PRINCE (flying the flag of Vice Admiral (D), Home Fleet), CHASER, 13 Fleet destroyers, and the usual Western Approaches escorts) and two Fleet minesweepers from North Russia.

           

No Battle Squadron or Cruiser Force took part as the surface threat was confined to enemy destroyers. 5 Russian submarines were on patrol off the North Coast of Norway.

           

The three U-boats destroyed during the passage of the convoy were all sunk by the rocket attacks of CHASER’s Swordfish

           

The detailed movements of this convoy and its escorts were as follows:

           

2nd       The convoy (32 ships) escorted by BLACK PRINCE (Vice Admiral (D), Home Fleet, CHASER, MILNE, SERAPIS,

            MATCHLESS, IMPULSIVE, OBEDIENT, OFFA, SWIFT, METEOR, ONSLAUGHT, ORIBI, SAVAGE, VERULAM,

            VIGILANT, GLEANER, and SEAGULL (Home Fleet) and KEPPEL, BOADICEA, BEAGLE, WALKER, BLUEBELL,

            CAMELLIA, LOTUS, and RHODODENDRON (Western Approaches) left Kola Inlet for the United Kingdom

            EMPIRE BARD fell out unable to maintain speed of the convoy.

3rd        Convoy shadowed by aircraft, homing U-boats on to it.

4th        EMPIRE TOURIST torpedoed and sunk – No casualties.

            U-boat destroyed by R.P. attack of Swordfish from CHASER and gunfire from ONSLAUGHT. 25 survivours picked up.

5th        EMPIRE BARD arrived Iokanka with defects

            U-boat destroyed by R.P. attack of Swordfish from CHASER. No survivours picked up.

6th        U-boat destroyed by R.P. attack of Swordfish from CHASER. Three survivours picked up.

7th        BLACK PRINCE, VERULAM, METEOR, SWIFT, IMPULSIVE detached from the convoy to Scapa

8th        Local escort (READY (Senior Officer, Eighteenth Minesweeping Flotilla), ORESTES, ONYX, LOYALTY, and

            HYDRA left Skaalefiord and joined the convoy.

            CHASER, ONSLAUGHT, OFFA, OBEDIENT detached from the convoy to Scapa

            BLACK PRINCE, VERULAM, METEOR, SWIFT, and IMPULSIVE arrived Scapa

            MILNE, SERAPIS, SAVAGE, MATCHLESS, ORIBI, and VIGILANT detached from the convoy to Scapa

9th        CHASER, ONSLAUGHT, OBEDIENT, OFFA, MILNE, SERAPIS, SAVAGE, MATCHLESS, ORIBI, and VIGILANT

            arrived Clyde

            BEAGLE detached from the convoy to Clyde

            SEAGULL detached to Scapa, arriving p.m.

10th      KEPPEL, WALKER, BOADICEA, RHODODENDRON, and BLUEBELL detached from the convoy to the Clyde,

            arriving p.m.

            BEAGLE arrived Clyde

            LOTUS detached from the convoy to Londonderry, arriving p.m.

            CAMELLIA detached from the convoy to Milford Haven.

            Convoy split to respective West Coast ports, arriving p.m.

            Local escort proceeded to Loch Ewe, arriving a.m.

           GLEANER detached to Loch Ewe, arriving a.m. landing survivours of EMPIRE TOURIST and sunken U-boats and

           sailing p.m. to Scapa, arriving p.m.

11th      CAMELLIA arrived Milford Haven

                       

127. Operation F Y

           

The first part of Operation F Y – the passage of JW 58 to North Russia – took placed at the end of march and both convoy and escorts arrived in North Russia without loss. During the passage 3 Uboats were sunk by STARLING, KEPPEL, and Carrier borne aircraft, respectively, and six shadowing aircraft were shot down. Three of our Carrier borne aircraft were lost

           

The convoy of 47 ships left Loch Ewe on 27th March (joined on 29th by 2 ships from Iceland), escorted by DIADEM (Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Tenth Cruiser Squadron), escort carriers ACTIVITY and TRACKER, 12 Fleet destroyers, 4 Western Approaches destroyers, 4 Western Approaches corvettes, a Western Approaches support group of 4 destroyers and 5 sloops and a local escort of one corvette and 3 minesweepers. The U.S. Cruiser MILWAUKEE was also included in the convoy – proceeding to North Russia to be handed over the Soviet Navy. The Murmansk section (39 ships) and all escorts arrived Kola Inlet on 4th April and the White Sea Section (10 ships) at Archangel on 6th April.

           

The operation was covered by a Battle Squadron, part of which was detached on 2nd April to join the Force carrying out Operation TUNGSTEN (see paragraph 128). There was no cruiser covering force. 5 Russian submarines were on patrol off the North coast of Norway.

           

The detailed movements of the convoy and its escorts were as follows

27th      The convoy (47 ships) escorted by WESTCOTT, INCONSTANT, WHITEHALL, WRESTLER, HONEYSUCKLE,

            BLUEBELL, LOTUS, RHODODENDRON (Western Approaches) and a local escort of STARWORT (Western

            Approaches). RATTLESNAKE, ORESTES, and ONYX left Loch Ewe for North Russia.

            ONSLOW, OPPORTUNE, ORIBI, OFFA, OBEDIENT, ORWELL, and IMPULSIVE left Scapa for Skaalefiord

            SAUMAREZ left Loch Ewe for Skaalefiord.

            DIADEM, ACTIVITY, TRACKER left Loch Ewe for Scapa, arriving p.m.

            Iceland section (3 ships) escorted by 1 minesweeper and 2 trawlers left Reykjavik to join convoy.

28th      ONSLOW, OPPORTUNE, ORIBI, OFFA, OBEDIENT, and IMPULSIVE arrived Skaalefiord

SAUMAREZ arrived Skaalefiord

            DIADEM, ACTIVITY, TRACKER, USS MILWAUKEE, VENUS, SERAPIS, STORD, and SCORPION left Scapa to

            join the convoy

            STARLING, WHIMBREL, WREN, MAGPIE, WILD GOOSE left Scapa to join the convoy

            KEPPEL, BOADICEA, WALKER, and INCONSTANT left Scapa for Skaalefiord, arriving p.m.

29th      SAUMAREZ, IMPULSIVE, ONSLOW, ORIGI, OFFA, ORWELL, OBEDIENT, OPPORTUNE, KEPPEL, BOADICEA,

            WALKER, and INCONSTANT left Skaalefiord and joined the convoy.

            U-boat sunk by STARLING

            STARLING, WHIMBREL, WILD GOOSE, WREN, and MAGPIE joined JW 58

            DIADEM, ACTIVITY, TRACKER, USS MILWAUKEE joined the convoy.

VENUS, SERAPIS, STORD, and SCORPION detached to Skaalefiord to fuel, arriving a.m., sailing p.m. and

rejoining the convoy

STARWORT detached to Londonderry

RATTLESNAKE, ORESTES, and ONYX detached to Skaalefiord, arriving p.m.

Two ships of the Iceland section joined the convoy. Third ship with trawler escort returned to Seidisfiord with ice

damage.

30th      STARWORT arrived Londonderry

One ship of Iceland section arrived Seidisfiord with ice damage.

            1 JU 88 and 3 FW 200 shadowers were shot down by carrier borne aircraft. 2 of our fighters were lost.

2nd       1 U-boat sunk by KEPPEL

            1 BV 138 shot down by carrier borne aircraft

            1 JU 88 shot down by carrier borne aircraft.

3rd        1 U-boat sunk by Swordfish R.P. attack

4th        Local escort for White Sea section left Kola Inlet and joined the convoy which split p.m.

Murmansk section (39 ships) and all escorts arrived Kola Inlet

6th        White Sea section (10 ships) and local Russian local escorts arrived Archangel

 

128. Operation TUNGSTEN

           

The preliminary movements for Operation TUNGSTEN (Fleet Air Arm attack on TIRPITZ) took place a the end of March; a full account of this operation will be included in the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s War Diary for April 1944

on to Home Fleet, April-June 1944
or back to Admiralty War Diaries

revised 15/11/08